Position Title: Integrated Crop Management Consultant
General Description of Duties: Responsible for providing technical services
to farmers. These services involve all aspects of field crop production consulting
with growers, and development of a farm nutrient management plan that will
incorporate environmental, agricultural and financial concerns. This includes,
but is not limited to, assessment of, and providing recommendations for the
following: nutrient management, pest monitoring and control options, species
and variety selection, crop rotation management, harvest practices, crop record
keeping and other field crop management practices.
Performance in all aspects of the job description is a condition of continued
employment.
Specific Duties of the Position (not necessarily in order of priority):
1. Creation of individual comprehensive nutrient management plans for farmers,
meeting the guidelines of the Vermont Natural Resource Conservation Service,
which will include, but not be limited to the following:
- Nutrient and pest control recommendations.
- Crop scouting for weed, insect, disease, nutrient and cultural problems
(including rotations, cultural, chemical methods).
- Farm crop record-keeping, data collection, computer entry and report generation
and explanation.
- Sampling for soil, plant material and manure analysis as needed.
2. Meet with farmers as needed to address cropping needs and planning.
3. Promote CMS concepts through additional farm visits, displays at meetings,
and group discussions.
4. Utilize computer database, spreadsheet, and word processor software for
technical applications.
5. Supervise 1-2 interns during the growing season who will help with sample
collection, computer data input, and other duties as needed.
6.Perform additional responsibilities as need arises.
Location: Covering Rutland, Bennington and Windham counties in Vermont. Will
need to work from own home office. Must reside in the area. Salary and Compensation:
Hourly wage of $15.00/hour, 40 hours per week, with flexibility to complete
job as needed during growing season. Benefits package negotiable. Cumulative
vacation time. Mileage and small stipend for home office included. Laptop computer
available.
Qualifications: Bachelor’s degree in agriculture, plant science, or related
area, or equivalent combination of education and farm experience.
Must be self-motivated, self-confident, eager to learn and provide quality
service.
Must interact well with farmers and agribusiness people. Good communication
skills - listening, writing, speaking.
Must work well independently.
Reliable and well-maintained vehicle for business use, will drive farm roads,
valid driver’s license.
Available to work flexible hours, possibly more than 40 hours per week during
peak seasons.
Computer literate
For more information, contact Marli Rupe, District Manager, Poultney-Mettowee
Natural Resources Conservation District, 802-287-5841, pmnrcd@together.net.
